A Poem For Michael

Myself I’ve never been much of a mathematician Algebra and stuff didn’t add up to much when I made the decision to respond to you our multi-versed mathematical magician Because even I know all things aren’t equal I don’t know what it’s like to grow up black and poor and to wonder why other kids have more and why no one looks sideways when white kids walk into a store It seems this world for you uses a subtraction and division equation Giving people who look like me a multiplication table We rise to the top like cream even when you’re more capable Those who say “Things have changed” are living in a fable or maybe they think it’s fine because they have lots on their table You have no reason to apologize I see the sad in your eyes That happens when others try to bring you down to size But I sense a power beyond the treatment they rationalize There is scripture flowing from your pen Telling us what your people have dealt with over and over again You help me conceptualize that pain which enables me to see and realize why some might try to bury their blues with drugs and booze When they think “Nothing is going to change” They also think “F it I’ve got nothing to loose!” But you you’re a word warrior that’s not the path you choose Rewrite it Rethink it Turn it into good news Sorrows on a graph, Death and molestations All these sadness quotients are not merely estimations They defy gravity and my limited calculations But I can’t read your sorrow without me acknowledging I see your situation And I hear your brave heartfelt communication While still I wonder how you cope with this frustration Maybe it’s the angels That grace your constellation The way you wrote it and I read it If I were your teacher I’d give you all the credit Besides in this case you’re the teacher I say hallelujah brother your life is a prayer keep on speaking preacher So I ask what can a math challenged middle aged white dude do? People need more than compassion for what they’ve been through A thought can grow exponentially beyond me and you Until it becomes true Action Maximization by the many for the few Dedicated to Michael Ellis after reading his Poem “A Poem for My Algebra Teacher” Please read it.